Umami Burger took the expansion gold medal by
quadrupling its presence in the Bay Area, opening three locations in
seven months. Maybe San Franciscans don't dislike everything from Los
Angeles, after all. less

Umami Burger took the expansion gold medal by quadrupling its presence in the Bay Area, opening three locations in seven months. Maybe San Franciscans don't dislike everything from Los Angeles, ... more

The strangest turn of events was surely the "Beteltong" saga. The owners of Betelnut decided to close their popular place and replace it with Hutong, an edgier street food rendition. But, the day after Hutong got a poor review, they changed it back to Betelnut. (Paula Deen probably wishes she could erase poor decisions in 2013 as well.) less

The strangest turn of events was surely the "Beteltong" saga. The owners of Betelnut decided to close their popular place and replace it with Hutong, an edgier street food rendition. But, the day after Hutong ... more

The strangest turn of events was surely the "Beteltong"... Photo-4547275.76714 - StamfordAdvocate

Image 18 of 30

The award for best opening stunt goes to Oakland's Sweet Bar Bakery. Owner Mani Niall used
to be the private chef for Michael Jackson, so it was only appropriate
that his new bakery opened with a "Thriller" flash mob.
Zombies included. less

The award for best opening stunt goes to Oakland's Sweet Bar Bakery. Owner Mani Niall used to be the private chef for Michael Jackson, so it was only appropriate that his new bakery opened with a "Thriller" ... more

However, no restaurant had the comeback that Chez Panisse did. Alice Waters'
Berkeley landmark suffered a debilitating fire in March, a stunning
loss that resonated on a national level. Thanks to a dedicated community
of craftsmen and contractors, the facade was rebuilt in record time ...
just in time for tomato season. less

However, no restaurant had the comeback that Chez Panisse did. Alice Waters' Berkeley landmark suffered a debilitating fire in March, a stunning loss that resonated on a national level. Thanks to a ... more

However, no restaurant had the comeback that Chez Panisse did.... Photo-4838359.76714 - StamfordAdvocate

Image 22 of 30

Not all restaurants were as fortunate. Fire struck Chez Spencer (pictured)and Maverick, and neither has yet reopened.

Not all restaurants were as fortunate. Fire struck Chez Spencer (pictured) and Maverick, and neither has yet reopened.

Not all restaurants were as fortunate. Fire struck Chez Spencer... Photo-2285406.76714 - StamfordAdvocate

Image 23 of 30

Bacon Bacon was forced to close after its Cole Valley
neighbors complained that the streets smelled like bacon, a NIMBY
controversy that made it all the way to "Saturday Night Live."

Bacon Bacon was forced to close after its Cole Valley neighbors complained that the streets smelled like bacon, a NIMBY controversy that made it all the way to "Saturday Night Live."

Bacon Bacon was forced to close after its Cole Valley
neighbors... Photo-4644840.76714 - StamfordAdvocate

Image 24 of 30

Perhaps the biggest crisis came when the beloved Tamale Lady was banned from selling her wares at Zeitgeist; here's hoping that she will soon have a fresh outlet for her tamales.

Perhaps the biggest crisis came when the beloved Tamale Lady was banned from selling her wares at Zeitgeist; here's hoping that she will soon have a fresh outlet for her tamales.

On the other end of the spectrum, the balance of power shifted on the San Francisco fine dining landscape.

Chef Joshua Skenes opened Saison in
SoMa, a temple of precision, fire cooking and blue-wing sea robins.
With a menu starting at $248 per person, Saison instantly became the
most expensive restaurant in San Francisco.

Quince ascended into the realm of Michelin two-stars,
which should go nicely on the Tusks' mantle alongside the perfect four
stars from Michael Bauer; meanwhile, Meadowood's Christopher Kostow took home the James Beard Award for regional best chef. less

Quince ascended into the realm of Michelin two-stars, which should go nicely on the Tusks' mantle alongside the perfect four stars from Michael Bauer; meanwhile, Meadowood's Christopher Kostow took home the ... more

But for the second straight year, 2013 belonged to State Bird Provisions.
Among other honors, the Fillmore restaurant was named James Beard's
best new restaurant in the country, all but ensuring that it will be
impossible to get a reservation there until California runs out
of quail. less

But for the second straight year, 2013 belonged to State Bird Provisions. Among other honors, the Fillmore restaurant was named James Beard's best new restaurant in the country, all but ensuring that it ... more

Photo: John Storey, The Chronicle

But for the second straight year, 2013 belonged to State Bird... Photo-5355018.76714 - StamfordAdvocate